A total of 222 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) couples exchanged vows during a commitment ceremony held at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) in Quezon City on Saturday, Feb.12.
This is the city's second commitment ceremony for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community following the first one held last 2020.
Mayor Joy Belmonte, who attended as the event's officiant, said that the ceremony goal is to further strengthen the love of the couples and that their rights are protected through the city's Gender Fair Ordinance.
The Gender Fair Ordinance, which was passed in 2014, aims to protect the members of the LGBTQIA+ against any forms of discrimination (e.g. verbal and non-verbal discrimination, refusal of services because of person's gender identity).
Councilors Hero Bautista, Irene Belmonte, Ivy Lagman and other distinguished guests were also present at the ceremony.